1. Port Adelaide’s toughness came at a price
The game was do-or-die for both sides, but for much of the game it was the Magpies who were more willing to put their body on the line to win the 50-50 ball. This was proven first when Colquhoun went down with concussion after a heavy hit in the first quarter. Then, in the third quarter, Robbie Young copped a knock to the head for his desperation and was forced from the field on a stretcher. Toughness has been a facet of Port’s game that Chad Cornes has been seeking. Although it was thrilling to watch bodies fly in desperation, a fair few men will be sore and others will need to be tested before playing next week.
2. Howard and Palmer a promising forward duo
Dougal Howard was dropped from Port Adelaide’s AFL side after playing in the win against Richmond last week and responded emphatically. Together with Jesse Palmer, Port Adelaide’s future AFL forward line looks potent. Howard finished with two goals, 14 possessions, seven marks and nine hit-outs. Palmer was outstanding, ending the match with three goals, 23 disposals, three goals, seven marks and four clearances. Both players are still young – Howard is 20, while Palmer is 19, so these two could give opposition defenders headaches in a few seasons’ time.
3. Too early?
It may seem too early to rule out the Bloods as finals contenders, but last year’s premiers will be coming back from a long way. West sits bottom having has lost all six games by an average of 60 points (although Saturday’s 27-point deficit was the Bloods’ lowest losing margin so far this year). West’s price for success last year was the loss of Jonathon Beech, Will Snelling and Tom Keough to the AFL, while Jason Porplyzia, Adam Hartlett, Travis Tuck and Chris Schmidt – all top-line Bloods – have battled injury.
4. Age no barrier for Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide skipper Steve Summerton was a late withdrawal from the match with a hamstring problem after being named on an extended bench. Without him, Port’s games experience dropped big time. Despite 11 players being AFL-listed, five are yet to debut on a national stage. The inexperience and lack of mature leaders on the field did not stop Port from producing exciting football and eventually walking away with the two points. As senior coach Chad Cornes said after the game, age doesn’t always matter, but attitude and willingness to work for teammates does.
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